The Right Binoculars Part 2

In addition to size and expense, one must certainly consider fit. By fit, I mean the binoculars in relation to one's lifestyle. A good rule of thumb would be as follows: pick the largest size binoculars that you think you would actually carry half of the quality time. So, quality time doesn't include the grocery store. It does include every single hike in fair weather, every hunt, every European, Asian, African or what have you trip that you take regardless of whether some corporation sends you or you send yourself. Now, if you're like me, you have several pairs. I have the 8x20 Zeiss Dialyts for every damn where, the Duovid 42mms for everything semi-serious, and the Leitz 12x60 Mardocits for when it really really matters (the best binoculars ever made perhaps). But chances are you are not like me. Thus, you must choose between the compacts, the mediums and the big guns. Now, if you're operating out of a vehicle but stopping to view subjects, get the big guns. If you simply must have the zenith in performance, get the big guns. If you're not sure, then flip a coin to decide between the 40mms and 30mms. 8x30mm binoculars are more than satisfactory under fair lighting conditions such as viewing the Acropolis at 4pm. But if you're in doubt about the light, then at least do 8x40 or 10x40 binoculars or you'll be sorry. Next in terms of fit, consider the durability and water-tightness of the binoculars (scratch the Mardocits). Older roof prism binoculars from Zeiss may get you through most of the wetness, while older central-focus porros may get you through some of the wetness. But if you need binoculars that do not have to be cased or used under an umbrella to ensure that they do not fog; if you don't want to ever have to put your binoculars in the oven with the door slightly ajar at 140F for 3 hours after a visit to Costa Rica, the you may have to consider new binoculars such as Leica Duovid or Zeiss Victory. If on top of water resistance you want durability and optical quality, you more than likely need to by Zeiss, Leica, or Swarovski because only they can provide everything in a compact roof prism package with central focus for convenience. You can sit on your Leica Ultravids in a puddle of mud and fear no evil. So indeed, many people are well served by a pair of 32mm Swarovski ELs or Ultravids. On the other hand, I myself do not own one because I am too neurotic. When I want to really see something, I want a bigger lens. Furthermore, I really prefer the older binoculars most of the time. I bought the Duovids because they are in a class by themselves with the dual magnifications and the 12x power that I feel really gets the job done and which I swear by so long as you have steady hands. But I vastly prefer old Zeiss Oberkochen roofs such as 8x30 Dialyt over ELs, FLs and Ultravids. They just click 1 2 BANG!! Whatever you buy, make sure you do consider the "fit" as described in this guide; and also consider the personal fit. Maybe you have a flat little camera like the Casio Exilim. You can use one side of your binoculars as a telephoto converter. But that won't work well unless you keep the magnification reasonable like 7x or 8x. You can rig up a small tube of plastic pipe with velcro straps to get the right field of view in your camera this way, and you don't need to buy a bulky zoom camera. It's a personal thing. I don't carry a camera because I believe that the mind memorizes what matters and ignores what does not, so I like to take a good look with my binoculars the first time and remember whatever turns out to have been remembered. By the way, even with a Hasselblad 39 MP camera, an $18000 Mamiya super telephoto and a $15000 Fujinon image stabilizer, your pictures will be crumbier than the views through a good pair of binos from Leitz Leica, Zeiss or Swarovski, to say nothing of Fujinon 25x150 ED! Cheers! I hope this guide helps.